BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Charles Solomon scored a career-high 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds, but shorthanded Belmont Abbey dropped a 78-72 decision at King in Conference Carolinas men's basketball action Saturday afternoon.

The contest was the third straight without a full roster, including two starters.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Quest Aldridge added 15 points, three rebounds and a team-best five assists.
• LJ McCoy also reached double figures with 10 points, while Tyler Wilson grabbed a season-best seven rebounds.
• Belmont Abbey opened the game with back-to-back baskets, but then surrendered a 10-0 run and never fully recovered.
• Trailing 36-23 at halftime, the Crusaders cut the margin to five early in the second period, but later trailed by 16 with 7:22 left to play.
• Three late free throws made the final margin just six points.
• The Crusaders out-shot King 47.1 percent to 43.1 percent and held a 38-35 advantage on the boards, but had 24 turnovers.
• Belmont Abbey fell to 9-3 overall and 7-2 in league play, while the Tornado improve to 3-8, 2-7.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey returns home to face Erskine on Wednesday.
• Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. in the Wheeler Center.